Depression Myths in Adolescents

Depression in children and teenagers is a serious condition and one that is often misdiagnosed and overlooked. Despite medical advances and new findings, myths about childhood and adolescent depression persist.

Adolescent Depression Is Normal

• Depression is different from the normal feelings of sadness and hopelessness that most everyone experiences from time to time in response to stress and other factors. Symptoms affect every aspect of the sufferer's life and thoughts of and preoccupation with death and suicide are not uncommon, particularly in teenagers.

  Believing depression in adolescents to be part of the normal hormonal shifts of puberty is one of the most common myths about adolescent depression, as is believing that these feelings and symptoms will simply disappear on their own.

All Depressed People Are Socially Withdrawn

• While social withdrawal is a common symptom of depression, not all sufferers experience it. Adolescents, in particular, often continue to socialize with a core peer group.

Adolescents Suffering From Depression Are Always Sad

• This myth about depression sufferers in general leads to many misdiagnoses. Just as not all people affected by depression are socially withdrawn, not all of them are necessarily sad or "down" all of the time. Many adolescents suffering from depression act out in other ways, such as becoming irritable, aggressive and, in some cases, violent and disruptive in a cry for attention.

Depression Sufferers Do Not Want To Talk About Their Problems

• Adolescents are typically reluctant to talk about their problems in general, but depression sufferers of all ages desperately want and need a trusted person to talk to. Teenagers do not have the same resources that adults have when it comes to seeking professional help, and are in need of help even more.

Treatment For Adolescent Depression

• There are many different types of treatment for adolescent depression, from therapy to medication. The first step toward getting the necessary help for an adolescent suffering from depression is to find a qualified therapist. If you aren't sure where to find one, ask your adolescent's primary care physician for a referral.